Word of the Day: Euphemism

Euphemism (yū’fə-mĭz’əm) is a polite or agreeable word that is used to replace a possibly offensive or harsh one. It can also refer to a word or expression that under estimates the real state of things.

But after the September 11th attacks, its Self-Defence Forces (SDF is a euphemism for its armed forces that gets round its pacifist-sounding constitution) have been deployed in much more determined fashion. (The Economist)

The British have some rather wonderful euphemisms. Try “one sandwich short of a picnic” for “crazy” or “NQOCD” instead of “not quite our class dear.” And how about “sugar on your strawberries,” meaning that senility may be just around the corner? (NY Times)

Daniel Scocco on November 14, 2007 Subscribe to our RSS Feed